Voices from the Canefields: Folksongs from Japanese Immigrant Workers in Hawai'i

Franklin Odo

Abstract

Japanese immigrant workers constituted the bulk of Hawaii’s sugar plantation labor force between the 1880s and the 1940s. They became the single largest ethnic group in a multi-racial society and their cultures decisively influenced much of contemporary Hawai`i. The holehole bushi are folk songs unique to this group; based on tunes brought from Japan but reflecting work, living conditions, love, lust, despair and courage in their new environments. This is the first serious study of this genre. Many lyrics reflect perspectives from Japanese women workers, a group only marginally represented in ... More

Japanese immigrant workers constituted the bulk of Hawaii’s sugar plantation labor force between the 1880s and the 1940s. They became the single largest ethnic group in a multi-racial society and their cultures decisively influenced much of contemporary Hawai`i. The holehole bushi are folk songs unique to this group; based on tunes brought from Japan but reflecting work, living conditions, love, lust, despair and courage in their new environments. This is the first serious study of this genre. Many lyrics reflect perspectives from Japanese women workers, a group only marginally represented in extant literature. Everyone assumed these songs would disappear along with the immigrants but they were revived and continue to be sung. This renaissance and the people who made it possible are explored as part of an examination of memory and recovery.

End Matter

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